A black luxury sports car in a garage with a checkered floor and white walls protected with paint protection film, Xpel, expel, stek

RATED #1 PROTECTION FILM SHOP IN SLO COUNTY

PAINT PROTECTION FILM (PPF)

Person applying a protective film or clear coat to a car's headlight with a spray bottle.
Porsche GT3RS full body Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installed and properly prepped, ready to withstand all the road will throw its way. PPF will protect it

Paint Protection Film is the most effective way to protect your vehicle’s paint from rock chips, scratches, oxidation, and long term wear. At Esoteric Auto Salon, we specialize in meticulous Paint Protection Film installation with a focus on proper preparation and clean finishes, no templates or shortcuts.

We take a boutique approach to PPF. That means fewer vehicles, more time per installs, and honest expectations about what is achievable depending on paint condition, color, and vehicle design.

Our Approach to paint protection film

Paint Protection Film installation is only as good as the preparation and attention to detail behind it. Every PPF job begins with a thorough wash and paint decontamination process to ensure the surface is as smooth and clean as possible before PPF is applied.

We focus heavily on:

  • Proper surface prep.

  • Wrapped edges.

  • Careful handling of corners and high impact areas.

We do not rush installs or operate on a production based model. Our goal is long term protection with a finish that holds up under close inspection.

We prioritize transparency and will always discuss realistic outcomes before starting any PPF work. Our Clients choose us because they value honest communication as much as outstanding installs.

Porsche GT3RS full body Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installed and in the prep process with clay bar treatment before the PPF is installed.

Our PPF PACKAGES

Yellow Honda Civic Type R Protected with Paint Protection Film (PPF) Xpel

The essence package

front-end coverage

The core surfaces most exposed to impact and wear.

Coverage includes:

Front Bumper / Hood / Headlights / Fenders / Mirrors

Porsche GT3RS full body Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installed and properly prepped, ready to withstand all the road will throw its way. PPF will protect it

the Signature Package

full body coverage

A defining layer of Protection that preserves the vehicle as intended.

Coverage is for all of the main painted surfaces.

Porsche GT3RS full body Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installed and properly prepped and shiny. PPF Paint Protection Film is the best thing you can do for your car

THE ESOTERIC PACKAGE

every surface, every detail. no exceptions

THE ESOTERIC is our most comprehensive level of paint protection - created for those who expect nothing is overlooked.

This coverage includes more than just the main painted surfaces, it includes every body panel, every little accent piece, mirror stalks, everything it can stick to, gets covered.

This Package involves removal of as many parts as possible, and is 100% hand-cut to ensure MAXIMUM coverage. No corner exposed from pre-cut templates, and no edges exposed.

Black BMW with a full body PPF ( paint protection film ) Install

THE BESPOKE PACKAGE

custom packaging

Tailored Protection designed around how you drive and use your vehicle.

Coverage is completely up to you. This package is typically used for cars that go to the track, that want a front end, and want to add some parts like a wing, side skirts, or custom parts.

1. How do I know if Esoteric Auto Salon is the right PPF shop for me?

Our Paint Protection Film services are best suited for owners who care about details, understand the limitations of PPF, and value proper preparation and honest communication.

If you are looking for rushed installs or price-driven work, we may not be the right fit. If you want Paint Protection Film installed correctly, with transparency and attention to detail, we are happy to discuss your vehicle.


2. What is Paint Protection Film (PPF)?

Paint Protection Film is a clear, durable film designed to protect a vehicle’s paint from rock chips, scratches, and environmental damage. When properly installed, PPF helps preserve the factory finish while remaining nearly invisible.

At Esoteric Auto Salon, we focus on Paint Protection Film installation that prioritizes prep, perfection, and long-term durability rather than rushed or production-based installs.

3. Is Paint Protection Film worth it?

For vehicles that are driven regularly, performance cars, or new vehicles, Paint Protection Film is the most effective form of protection available. It helps prevent damage that would otherwise require repainting or touch-ups.

PPF is especially valuable on high-impact areas like the front bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors, headlights, and rocker panels.

4. Does Paint Protection Film show edges or seams?

Paint Protection Film edges and seams depend heavily on the installation process and vehicle design. Some edges can be wrapped, while others must remain visible due to panel shape or clearances.

We focus on clean installs and wrapped edges where possible and always discuss expectations before installation begins, especially on dark or high-contrast paint colors..

5. Will PPF hide scratches or paint imperfections?

Paint Protection Film is not designed to hide major existing paint defects. Scratches, chips, and factory paint texture may still be visible after installation, particularly on black or sensitive paint finishes. all micro-swirls, light watermarks, and light scratches tend to hide with PPF, and to help with that, all our PPF packages include a polish on the panels we apply PPF to.

Proper expectations are part of our process, and we will always review paint condition before applying PPF.

6. How long does Paint Protection Film last?

We only use High-quality Paint Protection Film which has a LIFETIME WARRANTY.

We install PPF with long-term durability in mind, not temporary or cosmetic results.

While PPF warranties are affected by installation processes, we prioritize proper, careful, and clean installs to back up the lifetime warranty our film has from the factory.

7. Can PPF be applied to used vehicles?

Yes. Paint Protection Film can be applied to both new and used vehicles. However, the condition of the paint will affect the final appearance.

Older paint, rock chips, or wear will still be present beneath the film, which is why preparation and expectation setting are critical parts of the process, and why its always best to do as soon as possible when you get your vehicle.

8. Is Paint Protection Film safe for black cars?

Black paint is one of the most challenging finishes for Paint Protection Film installation because it highlights edges, dust, and surface imperfections.

We regularly work with black and high-contrast vehicles and take additional care during prep and installation. That said, black paint requires realistic expectations, which we discuss before starting any PPF work.

9. How long does a Paint Protection Film installation take?

Paint Protection Film installation time varies depending on coverage type and vehicle complexity. Proper prep, installation, and curing time cannot be rushed.

10. How do I maintain my Paint Protection Film?

Paint Protection Film should be washed using wax free soap. Avoid aggressive chemicals or automatic brushes that may damage the film. Other than that, it’s a normal process to wash!

We provide care guidance after installation to help ensure your PPF performs as intended over time.

We proudly serve clients throughout San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas.